WTC Final: Former India fast bowler Ifran Pathan believes Virat Kohli will take the aggressive route if India don’t lose wickets in the first hour on the Reserve Day. Kohli and Cheeteshwar Pujara will resume India’s innings on 64 for 2.

HIGHLIGHTS

• India will resume their 2nd innings at 64 for 2 on the Reserve Day
• India need to set a target and then bowl out New Zealand if they are to win the WTC Final
• A maximum of 98 overs can be bowled on the Reserve Day in Southampton

India are in a tricky spot heading into the Reserve Day of the World Test Championship final but former pacer Irfan Pathan believes Virat Kohli’s men will play an aggressive brand of cricket if they see off the New Zealand pace threat in the first hour on Wednesday.

Irfan Pathan said Virat Kohli is an aggressive captain and he likes to go for the win but India will play the situation at least in the opening hour on the Reserve Day.

India headed to Stumps on Day 5 with a 32-run lead but they lost their openers towards close of play. Tim Southee got Rohit Sharma for 30 shortly after he removed Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli (9*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) will resume India’s 2nd innings on Wednesday.

India have to make a few bold calls if they are to force a result in their favour. With only 98 overs of play possible on the final day of the historic Test, New Zealand have the edge as they need only 8 wickets, while India have to set a target and then bowl New Zealand out. With the weather improving and sun expected to shine throughout the day in Southampton, conditions might improve for the batsmen.

“Look, the first hour will be very crucial. We all know Virat Kohli is a very aggressive captain. He will always go for the kill, always go for the win. It’s also important to understand the situation, New Zealand are slightly ahead. But that one hour in the morning, if we don’t lose more than one wicket, then we will see that aggressive Kohli,” Irfan Pathan told Star Sports.

“Pujara will be crucial for the first hour. I see India playing at least 40 odd overs and trying to get as many as possible. If India can get somewhere close to 160-mark, and then they can get New Zealand batting and see if they can take early wickets,” he added

“But if you see, in this Test, the morning sessions have done a bit when it comes to fast bowling, the ball moving. So once you take that out, the game can be on.”

Chances for India victory very difficult: Pathan

Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan also said that all 3 results are still possible in the WTC final and that an Indian win looks a bit more difficult that a draw or a New Zealand victory.

“We have lost so many overs in the game, but still there could be a result. In fact, all 3 results are possible. There could be a win for New Zealand, a win for India which is very difficult, I understand, and a draw,” he added.

Meanwhile, former India captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that India might not have enough time to bowl New Zealand out even if they set a target and declare on the Reserve Day.

The trophy and the prize money will be shared by India and New Zealand if the WTC Final ends as a draw or a tie